Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. A method, comprising: automatically detecting presence and physical location of at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more software applications (“apps”), one or more virtual network functions (“VNFs”), one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within at least one of a network, a central office, a home network, an access network, or a meeting room; automatically updating a user portal to display the detected presence and detected physical location of the at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more apps, one or more VNFs, one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within the at least one of the network, the central office, the home network, the access network, or the meeting room; receiving, with a network node via the user portal, a request from a user to change a network configuration of the network, wherein the user portal is represented by a graphical user interface (“GUI”), and wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user in the GUI, icons of at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs from a corresponding at least one of an app catalog or a VNF catalog to an icon of a first user device of the one or more user devices; in response to receiving the at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping icons of the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs from the corresponding at least one of the app catalog or the VNF catalog to the icon of the first user device, determining, with the network node, one or more network configuration changes associated with the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs to make to effect the request to change the network configuration of the network; and reconfiguring, with the network node, the network by effecting the determined one or more network configuration changes associated with the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs, wherein reconfiguring the network comprises at least one of pushing, installing, or downloading the at least one of one or more apps or one or more VNFs on the first user device.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user is a subscriber of network services provided by a network service provider that is associated with the network, and wherein the user portal is a customer portal.
A system and method for managing network services involves a user portal that provides access to network service configurations and status information. The user portal is specifically designed for subscribers of network services provided by a network service provider, allowing users to interact with and control their network service settings. The portal enables users to view and modify service parameters, monitor service performance, and troubleshoot issues. The system ensures secure access to these features, verifying the user's identity and subscription status before granting access. This approach streamlines service management for subscribers, reducing the need for direct customer support interactions and improving user satisfaction by providing direct control over their network services. The method enhances the efficiency of service provisioning and maintenance by automating user interactions and providing real-time updates on service status. The system is particularly useful in environments where users require frequent adjustments to their network configurations, such as in enterprise or residential settings with dynamic service needs.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user portal is a web portal that is accessible by the user via a browser.
A system and method for providing a user portal that enables users to access and manage data or services through a web-based interface. The portal is designed to address the need for secure, convenient, and centralized access to information or functionalities, eliminating the need for separate applications or physical interactions. The web portal is accessible via a standard web browser, allowing users to interact with the system from any device with internet connectivity. The portal may include features such as data visualization, user authentication, and customizable dashboards to enhance usability. The system ensures secure access through encryption and authentication protocols, protecting user data while providing seamless interaction. The web-based nature of the portal ensures compatibility across different operating systems and devices, improving accessibility and user experience. The portal may also integrate with backend systems to retrieve, process, and display relevant data in real-time, enabling users to make informed decisions efficiently. The invention aims to streamline user interactions with digital services by consolidating functionalities into a unified, browser-accessible interface.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the user portal is an app-based portal that is accessible by the user via a mobile user device or user computer.
A system and method for providing a user portal that enables users to access and manage services or information through a mobile or computer-based application. The portal is designed to be accessible via a mobile user device or a user computer, allowing users to interact with the system remotely. The portal may include features such as authentication, data input, service requests, and real-time updates. The system ensures secure and convenient access to services, improving user experience by providing a flexible, app-based interface. The portal may also integrate with backend systems to process requests, retrieve data, or perform actions based on user inputs. The method ensures compatibility with various devices and operating systems, enhancing accessibility and usability. The system may further include notifications, alerts, or status updates to keep users informed. The portal is designed to be intuitive, reducing the need for extensive training while maintaining security and functionality. The method may also include analytics or reporting features to track user interactions and system performance. The overall system aims to streamline service delivery, improve efficiency, and enhance user engagement through a mobile or computer-based application.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the request further comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user, icons of at least one of one or more user devices, one or more entities, one or more networks, one or more isolated service overlays, or one or more network devices from a first portion of the GUI to a second portion of the GUI, each of the first and second portions of the GUI representing one of a device list, a home network, a network edge, a network node, a central office, a connections list, a meeting room, an access network, a network configuration preference setting, the app catalog, the VNF catalog, an isolated service overlay catalog, or an entity catalog.
This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for managing network configurations and services. The problem addressed is the complexity of visually organizing and manipulating network elements, devices, and services in a user-friendly manner. The solution provides a method where a user can interact with a GUI to drag, move, or drag-and-drop icons representing various network components. These components include user devices, entities, networks, isolated service overlays, and network devices. The icons are moved between different portions of the GUI, each representing distinct network contexts such as a device list, home network, network edge, network node, central office, connections list, meeting room, access network, network configuration preference settings, app catalog, VNF (Virtual Network Function) catalog, isolated service overlay catalog, or entity catalog. This interaction allows users to visually reconfigure network elements, services, and settings, simplifying the management of complex network environments. The method enhances usability by providing intuitive drag-and-drop functionality for organizing and deploying network resources.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user, icons of at least one of one or more apps or one or more VNFs from corresponding at least one of the app catalog or the VNF catalog to an icon of a network device, and wherein reconfiguring the network comprises at least one of pushing, installing, or downloading the at least one of one or more apps or one or more VNFs on the network device, the network device comprising one of a gateway device, a server computer, a database, a network switch, or a network node.
This invention relates to network management systems that allow users to dynamically reconfigure network devices by deploying applications or virtual network functions (VNFs) through a graphical interface. The problem addressed is the complexity of manually configuring network devices, which often requires specialized knowledge and time-consuming processes. The solution provides a user-friendly method where a user can interact with a catalog of available applications or VNFs, represented as icons, and drag, move, or drag-and-drop these icons onto an icon representing a network device. The network device can be any of several types, including gateways, servers, databases, switches, or other network nodes. When an icon is placed on the network device icon, the system automatically pushes, installs, or downloads the corresponding application or VNF onto the physical or virtual network device. This simplifies network management by reducing the need for manual configuration and enabling rapid deployment of software or virtual functions to network infrastructure. The system supports both traditional applications and VNFs, making it adaptable to various network environments.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the one or more user devices comprises one of a tablet computer, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a portable gaming device, a laptop computer, a portable hypervisor, a modem, a radio device, or a token chip device.
This invention relates to a system for managing and distributing digital content across multiple user devices. The problem addressed is the need for efficient and secure content distribution to diverse device types, ensuring compatibility and seamless access. The system includes a central server that stores and manages digital content, such as media files, applications, or data, and distributes it to one or more user devices. Each user device is capable of receiving, processing, and displaying the content, with the system ensuring that the content is formatted appropriately for the specific device type. The devices may include tablet computers, smartphones, mobile phones, portable gaming devices, laptop computers, portable hypervisors, modems, radio devices, or token chip devices. The system may also include authentication mechanisms to verify user access rights and encryption to protect content during transmission and storage. The invention aims to provide a unified platform for content distribution that adapts to the technical capabilities of different devices, ensuring a consistent user experience across all supported hardware.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging or moving, by the user, one or more edges of an icon of a customer local area network (“LAN”) to span a third portion of the GUI representing the home network and a fourth portion of the GUI representing one of the network edge, the network node, or the central office, and wherein reconfiguring the network comprises extending the customer LAN to span between the home network and the one of the network edge, the network node, or the central office, the home network being located at a customer premises associated with the user.
This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) for network configuration, specifically for extending a customer local area network (LAN) across different network segments. The problem addressed is the complexity of visually representing and modifying network configurations that span multiple network domains, such as a home network, a customer LAN, and external network infrastructure like a network edge, node, or central office. The method involves a user interacting with a GUI that visually represents different network segments. The user can drag or move edges of an icon representing the customer LAN to span between a portion of the GUI depicting the home network (located at the user's premises) and another portion representing an external network component (such as a network edge, node, or central office). This action triggers a reconfiguration of the actual network, extending the customer LAN to connect the home network with the selected external network component. The GUI provides an intuitive way to visually modify network topology without requiring detailed technical knowledge, simplifying the process of network expansion or reconfiguration. The system ensures that the user's actions in the GUI directly translate into corresponding changes in the physical or logical network infrastructure.
9. The method of claim 5 , wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user, icons of an isolated service overlay from the isolated service overlay catalog to a fifth portion of the GUI representing the connections list, and wherein reconfiguring the network comprises establishing the isolated service overlay between the home network and one of the network edge, the network node, or the central office, the home network being located at a customer premises associated with the user.
This invention relates to network configuration systems that allow users to manage isolated service overlays through a graphical user interface (GUI). The problem addressed is the complexity of configuring network overlays, which typically requires specialized technical knowledge. The solution provides a user-friendly method for dynamically reconfiguring network connections by enabling users to interact with a GUI to modify network overlays. The system includes a GUI with multiple portions, including a catalog displaying available isolated service overlays and a connections list representing existing network connections. Users can drag, move, or drag-and-drop icons representing isolated service overlays from the catalog to the connections list. This action triggers the establishment of a new isolated service overlay between a home network (located at a customer premises) and a network edge, node, or central office. The isolated service overlay operates independently of the underlying network infrastructure, ensuring secure and dedicated communication paths. The GUI provides visual feedback and simplifies the process of network reconfiguration, making it accessible to non-technical users. The system may also include additional features such as real-time monitoring and automated configuration adjustments based on user inputs.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the isolated service overlay comprises one of a secure data service overlay, an Internet service overlay, an Internet of Things (“IoT”) service overlay, a programmable services backbone (“PSB”) service overlay, a content delivery network (“CDN”) service overlay, one or more application service overlays each associated with an application service provider, or one or more other service overlays each associated with a service provider.
This invention relates to network service overlays, specifically methods for managing and deploying isolated service overlays within a network infrastructure. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently providing specialized services, such as secure data, internet, IoT, or content delivery, without requiring extensive modifications to the underlying network architecture. The method involves deploying an isolated service overlay that operates independently of the core network, allowing for flexible and scalable service delivery. The overlay can be configured to support various types of services, including secure data services, internet services, IoT services, programmable services backbones, content delivery networks, application services from third-party providers, or other specialized services. By isolating these services, the invention ensures that each operates within its own dedicated environment, reducing interference and improving performance. The overlay can be dynamically adjusted to meet changing service demands, enabling efficient resource allocation and optimized service delivery. This approach simplifies network management and enhances service reliability while supporting diverse service requirements.
11. The method of claim 9 , wherein establishing the isolated service overlay between the home network that is located at a customer premises and the one of the network edge, the network node, or the central office comprises establishing one of a virtual LAN (“VLAN”) or a virtual extensible LAN (“VXLAN”) for the isolated service overlay across a customer LAN that is established between the home network that is located at the customer premises and the one of the network edge, the network node, or the central office.
This invention relates to network communication systems, specifically methods for establishing an isolated service overlay between a home network at a customer premises and a network edge, network node, or central office. The problem addressed is the need for secure, isolated communication channels within a customer's local area network (LAN) to ensure data privacy and service segregation. The method involves creating a dedicated virtual LAN (VLAN) or virtual extensible LAN (VXLAN) to form an isolated service overlay across the customer's existing LAN. This overlay ensures that traffic between the home network and the external network infrastructure (such as a network edge, node, or central office) is segregated from other LAN traffic, preventing unauthorized access or interference. The VLAN or VXLAN provides logical isolation, allowing multiple services or devices to coexist on the same physical network while maintaining separate communication paths. This approach enhances security and simplifies network management by leveraging standard virtual networking technologies to enforce traffic isolation without requiring physical network modifications. The solution is particularly useful in scenarios where multiple services or devices must share a single LAN while maintaining strict data separation.
12. The method of claim 5 , wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user, icons of at least one of one or more user devices, one or more entities, or one or more network devices to a sixth portion of the GUI representing one of the home network, the network edge, the network node, the central office, the meeting room, or the access network, and wherein reconfiguring the network comprises configuring network settings to allow the at least one of one or more user devices, one or more entities, or one or more network devices to communicate with other devices communicatively coupled to the one of the home network, the network edge, the network node, the central office, the meeting room, or the access network.
This invention relates to a graphical user interface (GUI) system for network configuration, specifically addressing the challenge of simplifying network management through intuitive, drag-and-drop interactions. The system enables users to reconfigure network settings by manipulating icons representing user devices, entities, or network devices within a GUI. These icons can be dragged, moved, or dragged and dropped into specific portions of the GUI, each representing different network locations such as a home network, network edge, network node, central office, meeting room, or access network. When an icon is placed in one of these portions, the system automatically configures network settings to establish communication between the represented device or entity and other devices connected to the selected network location. This approach streamlines network management by providing a visual, interactive method for users to define and modify network connectivity without requiring detailed technical knowledge. The system supports dynamic reconfiguration, allowing users to adjust network settings in real-time by simply repositioning icons within the GUI. This method enhances usability and efficiency in network administration, particularly for users who may lack advanced technical expertise.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein each of the one or more network devices comprises one of a gateway device, a server computer, a database, a network switch, or a network node, wherein each of the one or more network devices is one of a physical device or a virtual device.
This invention relates to network security and the management of network devices in a computing environment. The problem addressed is the need to securely and efficiently monitor, control, and update network devices, which may include gateways, servers, databases, network switches, or network nodes. These devices can be either physical or virtual, and the invention provides a method to ensure their proper functioning and security within a network. The method involves dynamically configuring and managing these network devices to maintain network integrity and performance. This includes detecting and mitigating potential security threats, optimizing network traffic, and ensuring compliance with security policies. The approach allows for real-time adjustments to network configurations based on changing conditions, such as traffic patterns or security risks. By integrating both physical and virtual devices, the solution provides a unified framework for network management, reducing the complexity of maintaining diverse network components. The invention also includes mechanisms for automated updates and patches to network devices, ensuring they remain secure and up-to-date without manual intervention. This proactive approach minimizes vulnerabilities and enhances overall network resilience. Additionally, the method supports scalability, allowing it to adapt to networks of varying sizes and complexities. The solution is particularly useful in environments where network devices are distributed across multiple locations or cloud-based infrastructures.
14. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: automatically detecting absence or disconnectivity of at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more software applications (“apps”), one or more virtual network functions (“VNFs”), one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within at least one of the network, a central office, a home network, an access network, or a meeting room; and automatically updating the user portal to reflect the detected absence or disconnectivity of the at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more apps, one or more VNFs, one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within the at least one of the network, the central office, the home network, the access network, or the meeting room.
In the domain of network management and monitoring, this invention addresses the challenge of maintaining real-time awareness of network and device connectivity within various network environments, such as central offices, home networks, access networks, and meeting rooms. The invention provides a method for automatically detecting disconnections or absences of network components, including user devices, isolated service overlays, software applications, virtual network functions (VNFs), entities, networks, or network devices. Upon detecting such disconnections, the system automatically updates a user portal to reflect the current state of connectivity, ensuring administrators or users have immediate visibility into network health and operational status. This proactive monitoring and reporting mechanism enhances network reliability and troubleshooting efficiency by eliminating manual checks and reducing downtime. The solution is applicable across diverse network architectures, supporting dynamic environments where connectivity status must be continuously monitored and communicated to stakeholders.
15. An apparatus, comprising: at least one processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the at least one processor, the non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer software comprising a set of instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the apparatus to: automatically detect presence and physical location of at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more software applications (“apps”), one or more virtual network functions (“VNFs”), one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within at least one of a network, a central office, a home network, an access network, or a meeting room; automatically update a user portal to display the detected presence and detected physical location of the at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more apps, one or more VNFs, one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within the at least one of the network, the central office, the home network, the access network, or the meeting room; receive, via the user portal, a request from a user to change a network configuration of the network, wherein the user portal is represented by a graphical user interface (“GUI”), and wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user in the GUI, icons of at least one of one or more isolated service overlays, one or more software apps, one or more VNFs from corresponding at least one of an app catalog or a VNF catalog to an icon of a first user device of the one or more user devices; in response to receiving the at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping icons of the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs from the corresponding at least one of the app catalog or the VNF catalog to the icon of the first user device, determine one or more network configuration changes associated with the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs to make to effect the request to change the network configuration of the network; and reconfigure the network by effecting the determined one or more network configuration changes associated with the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs, wherein reconfiguring the network comprises at least one of pushing, installing, or downloading the at least one of one or more apps or one or more VNFs on the first user device.
This invention relates to network management systems that automate the detection, visualization, and dynamic reconfiguration of network resources. The system addresses the challenge of manually managing complex network environments by providing real-time tracking of user devices, software applications, virtual network functions (VNFs), and other network entities across various network domains, including central offices, home networks, access networks, and meeting rooms. The apparatus includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing software instructions that enable automatic detection and localization of network components. A user portal, accessible via a graphical user interface (GUI), displays the detected entities and their physical locations. Users can interact with the GUI to modify network configurations by dragging and dropping icons representing apps or VNFs from catalogs onto user device icons. The system interprets these actions to determine necessary network changes, such as installing or downloading apps or VNFs onto the specified devices, and executes the reconfiguration automatically. This approach simplifies network management by providing an intuitive, visual method for users to adjust network settings without requiring deep technical expertise. The invention enhances flexibility and efficiency in network operations by automating the deployment and management of software and virtualized network functions.
16. A system, comprising: a first user device, comprising: a display device; a user input device; at least one first processor; and a first non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with each of the display device, the user input device, and the at least one first processor, the first non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer software comprising a first set of instructions that, when executed by the at least one first processor, causes the user device to: display, on the display device, a user portal providing a user with options to change network configurations of a network; receive, via the user input device, a request from the user to change a network configuration of a network, wherein the user portal is represented by a graphical user interface (“GUI”), and wherein the request comprises at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping, by the user in the GUI, icons of at least one of one or more software applications (“apps”) or one or more virtual network functions (“VNFs”) from a corresponding at least one of an app catalog or a VNF catalog to an icon of the first user device of one or more user devices or a second user device of the one or more user devices; and send, via the user portal, the request to change the network configuration of the network to a network node in the network; the network node, comprising: at least one second processor; and a second non-transitory computer readable medium in communication with the at least one second processor, the second non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon computer software comprising a second set of instructions that, when executed by the at least one first processor, causes the network node to: receive, via the user portal, the request from the user to change the network configuration of the network; automatically detect presence and physical location of at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more software apps, one or more VNFs, one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within at least one of the network, a central office, a home network, an access network, or a meeting room; automatically update the user portal to display the detected presence and detected physical location of the at least one of one or more user devices, one or more isolated service overlays, one or more apps, one or more VNFs, one or more entities, one or more networks, or one or more network devices within the at least one of the network, the central office, the home network, the access network, or the meeting room; in response to receiving the at least one of dragging, moving, or dragging and dropping icons of the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs from the corresponding at least one of the app catalog or the VNF catalog to the icon of the first user device or the second user device, determine one or more network configuration changes associated with the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs to make to effect the request to change the network configuration of the network; and reconfigure the network by effecting the determined one or more network configuration changes associated with the at least one of one or more software apps or one or more VNFs, wherein reconfiguring the network comprises at least one of pushing, installing, or downloading the at least one of one or more apps or one or more VNFs on the first user device or the second user device.
This system provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for users to dynamically reconfigure network configurations by interacting with icons representing software applications (apps) or virtual network functions (VNFs). The system includes a user device with a display and input interface, allowing users to drag, move, or drag-and-drop icons from an app or VNF catalog onto icons representing user devices. The system also includes a network node that detects the presence and physical location of devices, apps, VNFs, and other network elements within a network, such as a central office, home network, access network, or meeting room. The network node updates the GUI to reflect detected elements and, in response to user actions, determines the necessary network configuration changes to implement the requested modifications. These changes may involve pushing, installing, or downloading the selected apps or VNFs onto the specified user devices, thereby reconfiguring the network dynamically. The system enables intuitive, user-driven network management through a visual interface, simplifying the process of deploying and managing network resources.
17. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting, with the network node via the portal, the user logging in to the portal via a network access device; determining, with the network node, a location associated with the network access device; and instantiating, with the network node, one or more VNFs on a device local to the location associated with the network access device.
This invention relates to network virtualization and location-aware virtual network function (VNF) deployment in telecommunications systems. The problem addressed is the inefficient allocation of virtualized network resources, which can lead to latency, performance degradation, or unnecessary resource consumption when VNFs are deployed remotely from the user's location. The method involves a network node monitoring user login activity via a portal accessed through a network access device, such as a router or gateway. Upon detecting a user login, the network node determines the geographical or network-based location of the access device. Based on this location, the network node dynamically instantiates one or more VNFs on a computing device physically or logically proximate to the access device. This ensures low-latency, high-performance service delivery by minimizing the distance between the user and the virtualized network functions. The system may include additional components such as a portal for user authentication, a network node responsible for location detection and VNF management, and a distributed computing infrastructure capable of hosting VNFs across multiple locations. The location determination may involve analyzing IP addresses, GPS data, or network topology information. The VNFs can include firewalls, load balancers, or other network services that adapt to the user's location for optimized performance. This approach improves resource efficiency and user experience by aligning virtualized network functions with the physical or logical proximity of the end-user device.
Unknown
June 30, 2020
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